Here is a book that will churn some feelings you knew you had but couldn't quite figure out why. It links our desire to be outside with our spirituality and perceptions of who we are as men. Beware: this book contains graphic references to the Bible, thought provoking questions and may arouse emotions of a freeing nature. You may find yourself sitting at a red light the morning after reading several chapters having a depressing, hopeful epiphany about the direction of your life. The outdoor references should be enough to get your attention in the beginning and keep you reading past the first 3 or four chapters. Don’t get turned off by too many references to Biblical characters if you are prone to that (anti organized religion). I struggle with my faith every day and still got allot out of the connections made. Take it for what it is worth. I happen to appreciate Biblical references when appropriately utilized. Eldridge references God, Adam and Eve the way Carl Jung does Mythological characters and beings and their effects of upon our human, male psyche. One of the over-arcing themes in this book is the outdoors. I have not quite finished this book but I am looking for ward to its result.

Would that be "Billy Bob" Warner? Chris, is this the book you've been talking about, recently?

It is I...Billy the Bob. Yes this is the book. I was hoping to entice you in slowly because I know how you feel about overt religious messages. In my humble opinion, this book is not preachy... it doesn't make unrealistic suggestions for bettering your life, but it wakes something up inside you. Mark Rivers and I are having the same reflections. A feeling of "Ok...thanks for the information...now what do I do with it"?

I am not sure where to go from here (having read the book and feeling the impact of its message). I have to say I have seen changes in myself -however subtle and probably not perceptable to others- and I would rather be moving in the direction this has nudged me than be sitting still , content with the same old, same old. I recommend it to you to be read with an open mind and heart. If you can enjoy a football game without knowing the names and stats of all the players, then you should be able to be moved by this message without having a spiritual connection to the characters mentioned. Goofy analogy, but what do you want from me?

I read the book several times and can relate to your description of it. Eldredge is very "un-churchy" if you know what I mean. I believe he would agree with Bono, who recently said, "Religion is what happens when God leaves the room."

I also loved "Waking the Dead," also by Eldredge. (Maybe even more than W@H.)

Tom

I am in the process of reading "Waking the Dead". 3 chapters into it, but I like it a lot so far.